Greenville County Schools Closed as Hurricane Helene Causes Safety Concerns

Greenville, S.C. School Districts Adjust Plans Due to Hurricane Helene

As the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue to ripple through the Upstate, school districts are making important decisions regarding Monday’s operations. Greenville County Schools has announced that it will remain closed on Monday due to unsafe travel conditions throughout the area.

On Friday, a large team comprising hundreds of assessment personnel from Greenville County Schools drove over 9,000 miles across the county to evaluate road conditions. Their findings revealed over 1,500 hazardous issues including downed power lines, debris obstructing roads, closed bridges, sinkholes, and non-functional traffic signals. Such conditions have made travel unsafe for any school-related transportation.

No eLearning or Schedule Activities

As a consequence of these unsafe conditions, the district has decided that there will be no eLearning on Monday. All pre-planned activities and field trips have also been canceled. This decision affects more than half of the teachers in the district, as many lack access to reliable internet connections, further complicating educational efforts during this disruptive period.

Further updates from the district will follow on Monday afternoon, when a final decision will be made regarding the potential return of students on Tuesday. The safety and well-being of students and staff remain the top priority as the district navigates these challenges.

Pickens County Schools Updates

Meanwhile, Pickens County Schools has shared its plans for Monday, indicating they will resume normal operations. However, their transportation department has cautioned that staff will not use any roads deemed impassable. A list detailing these unsafe roads will be made available to the public to ensure that families are well-informed.

This ongoing situation highlights the extensive measures local authorities and school districts are engaging in to prioritize safety. The damage assessment efforts by Greenville County Schools played a crucial role in determining the appropriate actions for Monday.

Community Support and Recovery

As the community awaits updates, local residents are encouraged to stay tuned for further information from their respective school districts. This reflects the broader impact of Hurricane Helene as it disrupts daily life and educational activities for many families in the Upstate.

In this time of uncertainty, it is essential that everyone continues to monitor local communications for the latest updates on safety and recovery efforts in the region.